Shanghai is spearheading the development of five "new cities" that promise to blend cutting-edge technology with serene waterscapes, creating vibrant hubs that integrate innovation with cultural heritage. This ambitious vision is part of Shanghai's strategic plan to optimize the city's spatial layout and extend its influence across the Yangtze River Delta.

The strategic plan, launched in 2021, aims to transform five suburban towns — Jiading, Qingpu, Songjiang, Fengxian and Nanhui — into independent node cities of the Yangtze River Delta by 2035. Situated in a circular formation around the Shanghai urban center from northwest to southeast, these "new cities" are set to become comprehensive, self-sufficient urban centers.

The recent unveiling of the 2025 Shanghai Development Action Plan for "New Cities" signals the city's accelerated efforts to shape these areas into independent, thriving node cities. The action plan, led by the Shanghai Municipal Development and Reform Commission, outlines eight key initiatives across four critical areas to drive the transformation of these new cities.